During our Christmas 2017 holiday in Quarteira, Portugal, we decided to take a break from the beach and spend a day visiting Loulé. This is how we got on.
Where is Loulé
Loulé is roughly 12 km North East of Quateira.
How To Get There
While in the Algarve, I found the Algarve bus website to be invaluable. It seems to be updated regularly, or the timetables never change.
We bought our tickets from the desk at Quarteira bus station, but they can also purchased directly on the bus from any resort. The journey from Quarteira took about 30 minutes.
On Arrival
On arrival in Loulé the bus station is a short 5 minute walk away from the town.
The walk to the town centre was simple enough. We came out of the bus station, took a left and then a right and before we knew it we were in the town centre.
Just before the roundabout, you’ll spot a tourist information centre on the right hand side. Be sure to stop in and pick up a local map, it includes all the places we visited, plus more.
What To See
Mercado Municipal de Loulé
First of all we came across the Mercado Municipal de Loulé (Desde 1908) it is a large indoor market which sells just about everything.
Check out the times of the market, it opens pretty early. We arrived just after 11 am and it was starting to pack up for the day, but there was still plenty going on, and plenty to see.
If you’re hungry there are loads of wee side shops selling food, coffee and beers.
Câmara Municipal de Loulé
Next up we passed a beautiful building on Praça da República, which is the town hall.
The Old Town Square
Just down from the town hall we came across an open court yard area. At the time of our visit it was Christmas and the local town had put on a display for the kids with free rides. It was brilliant, Megan had a ball running around and going on all the rides. Such a lovely, and unexpected touch!
Capela de Nossa Senhora da Conceição
Down the hill on the left hand side we wandered into the old town, there is a number of churches that are free to enter and have a look around.
Old Town
The streets around here are cobbled, narrow, quiet and beautiful. We spent most of the afternoon just wandering around, stopping off now and again for a beer, coffee and a pastel de nata.
Castle of Loulé
The main attraction for me was the castle. Entry is 1 euro 62 cents, which for a main attraction in any Western European town is brilliant value for money.
On entry there is a small museum which explains the history of the castle and the surrounding area. Outside we were then free to walk about the castle walls, the view from the top was amazing.
We spent about 30 mins in the castle, which for the cost I found it great value.
Would We Go Back To Loulé
100% yes from me, Loulé is a lovely traditional Portuguese town. A lovely day out away from the tourist destinations of the Algarve.
Top Tips
1. Try and get to Loulé early to experience the market in full flow.
2. Time your visit well – Loulé plays host to a number of festivals through the year. The main ones are Loulé Carnival held in February and Noite Blanca, a celebration marking the end of the summer.
Glad you loved Loule too, we thought it was the sweetest place!
I’ve never been to Portugal but it is defo on my places to go list!
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It looks really charming! I love that statue of woman sitting and thinking.